Studying Through Tough Times

Studying for the LSAT while dealing with personal challenges is definitely not ideal. Life events like grief, loss, heartbreak, health issues or just everyday stress can make it harder to focus and put in the effort required. If you're struggling with balancing study time and your mental well-being, you're not alone. Many test-takers experience these difficulties, and finding the right balance will help you to make progress while still prioritizing self-care.

Your Health Comes First

When life gets tough, it’s important to recognize that your mental and physical health should come first. As much as preparing for the LSAT may feel urgent, it's essential to prioritize your well-being. Whether you're grieving or facing other personal challenges, don’t feel pressured to push yourself beyond your limits. Taking breaks when needed isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a way to ensure you stay healthy and avoid burnout.

If studying becomes too difficult, it's okay to take a step back. Focus on what you can handle in the moment. Even doing a little bit each day, like one or two questions, can help keep you on track without overwhelming you. 

When to Take a Break

Deciding whether to continue studying or take a break depends on how you're feeling. Some people find that studying a little bit each day, even when their focus isn’t at its best, helps them stay in the rhythm. On days when your focus is lacking, simply completing a few questions and learning from them might be all you can do. If studying feels like too much, it's okay to take a longer break and come back when you're in a better mental state.

Remember, the LSAT and law school admissions process aren’t a race. Pushing the test back by a few months or even a year won’t derail your plans. And actually, taking time to regroup will often help you achieve better results in the long term.

Finding Enjoyment in the Process

LSAT preparation can sometimes feel like a grind, and it’s helpful to find ways to make the process enjoyable. Focus on small wins, such as correctly solving a challenging question. You might even find that LSAT prep can be a welcome distraction from life’s stresses. This approach allows you to engage with the material in a way that feels rewarding, rather than just going through the motions.

To make studying more enjoyable, focus on understanding the material instead of rushing through it. The better you understand each question, the more rewarding the process becomes. LSAT questions are like puzzles—once you grasp the logic and reasoning behind each one, they start to become easier and more satisfying to solve. The more you enjoy the process, the less stressful studying becomes.

Taking Time to Understand

When you’re prepping for the LSAT, slowing down and focusing on quality over quantity is essential. Don’t worry about finishing a set number of questions. Instead, concentrate on really understanding the material. If you spend time thoroughly reading each passage and carefully considering the answer choices, you’ll find that you can solve problems more easily and with more confidence.

Let’s say you’re consistently scoring poorly or struggling to maintain focus. In this case, it might be helpful to adjust your approach. Instead of doing many questions in one sitting, try doing fewer questions but taking the time to understand each one deeply. This will help you to achieve better outcomes over time, as understanding the material fully is the key to getting high scores.

Pushing Your Test Date

If you’re struggling to maintain focus during your studies or are not satisfied with your practice test scores, it may be a good idea to postpone your test date. It’s better to give yourself time to prepare when you’re ready rather than rushing into the test before you feel fully prepared. Pushing back the test date by a few months or more can give you the space to focus on your health and regain your motivation. The LSAT and law school will always be there. If you take time to prioritize yourself now, you’ll be in a better position to tackle the test later on.

Conclusion

Dealing with unsettling or upsetting life events while preparing for the LSAT can feel daunting, but taking a balanced approach may help you to manage both. Prioritize your well-being, learn to enjoy the process, and don’t rush into the test if you’re not ready. With time and self-care, you can work through the challenges and set yourself up for success, on the LSAT and beyond.